News
The Pembrokeshire Herald celebrates 10th anniversary by transitioning to digital
THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD says it is thrilled to announce its transition to a fully digital format on the eve of its 10th birthday this weekend. This exciting move comes in response to the evolving media landscape, where the decline of print media has been unfortunately witnessed. By embracing a digital future, The Herald aims to maximize its readership and provide an enhanced experience for its loyal audience.
Remaining true to its roots, The Pembrokeshire Herald will retain its current tabloid format while offering more news, features, and content than ever before. Unlike the limitations imposed by physical paper publication, the digital format empowers the newspaper to expand its offerings, delivering captivating content to its readership.
The publication will continue to be available every Friday, ensuring that readers can still rely on their favourite source of news and information.
Editor Tom Sinclair expressed enthusiasm for the transition, likening it to stepping through a wardrobe into the world of online Narnia. With the new digital format, every advertiser will have a click-through link to their website featured in all editions.
This innovative approach not only maximizes advertising space but also significantly enhances exposure for businesses. The digital edition of The Herald will now feature an impressive 128 pages, representing an increase of 48 pages from previous editions.
This expanded content will cover a wide range of new topics, and introduce a new Locals School Section, Mental Health Section, and will have more focus on local sport and sports teams. Within this section, readers will find click-through links to relevant charities, both locally and beyond, ensuring easy access to help for those in need.
Boden Llewellyn, Senior Advertising Executive, shared his confidence in the transition, stating, “With this exciting move, we anticipate a substantial growth in our readership from 17,000 weekly readers to a minimum of 170,000. Moreover, we have witnessed an average of 500,000 monthly followers actively engaging with our online news stories. Many individuals will discover our paper for the first time, as a significant number of people shifted away from print media years ago. As we embark on a new adventure and era, commencing our second decade as a news source, we are genuinely excited about the possibilities ahead.”
In celebration of its 10th Birthday and the launch of the digital platform, The Pembrokeshire Herald will offer the first edition available for FREE to all readers this Friday. This gesture reflects the publication’s commitment to its loyal audience and the community it serves. Additionally, the decision to go digital aligns with The Herald’s dedication to environmental sustainability. As a completely green company, the transition represents a conscious effort to reduce the publication’s ecological footprint and contribute to a greener future.
Some of The Pembrokeshire Herald’s advertisers have said that they are equally delighted with this digital transition, as their message will reach a larger audience than ever before. This expanded reach and exposure will undoubtedly generate new opportunities for businesses to connect with a broader customer base.
As The Pembrokeshire Herald embraces the digital era, it remains dedicated to delivering high-quality journalism, maintaining its familiar look and feel, and providing award-winning content. The publication looks forward to serving its readership with renewed energy and engaging stories as it embarks on this exciting new chapter.
Crime
West Wales teenager sentenced for terrorism offences and assault
A 19-YEAR OLD male from west Wales appeared before Winchester Crown Court today (Thursday, September 19, 2024) after pleading guilty to terrorism offences and an assault that was motivated by and demonstrating hostility towards the victim based on her transgender identity.
Alex Hutton, from Swansea, who has previously been convicted of offences under the Terrorism Act was arrested in November last year after South Wales Police received a report from a member of the public stating they had viewed a video on Hutton’s Instagram in which he claims to have kicked an unidentified person in the head. The video also contained far right imagery.
Hutton has been sentenced to ten years and four months in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, Head of Investigations at Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said: “We welcome the outcome of this case. Alex Hutton, motivated by hate, engaged in a horrendous and unprovoked attack on a defenceless young girl who was minding her own business one afternoon in a Swansea park in May 2023.
“There is no doubt that the attack will have lasting effects on this young person and I really hope today’s outcome provides her with some comfort.
“Furthermore, Hutton demonstrated a clear intention to spread his hatred across the internet encouraging acts of terrorism. Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales uncovered his actions during a detailed investigation, which then led us to the assault that took place earlier in the year.
“I hope he now uses the time in custody to reflect on his actions, with a view to leading a far more productive life upon his eventual release.”
Bethan David, Head of Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Alex Hutton is not simply a fantasist that held extreme views, he is a dangerous young man.
“His unprovoked attack was driven by hate and he poses a substantial risk to other groups and society as a whole.
“He celebrated terrorist acts of white supremacy and encouraged his friends and associates on various social media and messaging platforms to join him in his extreme and disturbing views.
“The CPS will always prosecute those who encourage acts of terrorism and hate to protect the public.”
Chief Inspector Lindsey Sweeney from South Wales Police said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this investigation, a case which involved a senseless, violent Hate Crime. We want to reassure the community that this behaviour will never be tolerated in our area, and the perpetrators will be swiftly identified, arrested and duly sent to prison.
“Here in Swansea, we have a great multicultural city which has been demonstrated by a series of fantastic events involving the whole community in recent weeks and months. At South Wales Police, we work every day to ensure that the city is a safe and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.”
Anyone who sees or hears something that could be terrorist-related should act on their instincts and call the police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999. Visit gov.uk/ACT for more information, including how to report extremist or terrorist content that is online.
News
Cardiff Airport’s future under scrutiny as Government proposes £206m subsidy
AT THURSDAY’S hearing before the Senedd’s public accounts and public administration committee, Welsh Government officials revealed that there is currently no “exit plan” for the government to sell Cardiff Airport. This statement came during a session where airport executives and government officials faced questions about a proposed £206 million subsidy intended to support the airport’s growth and development. This move, if approved, would mean the government has invested nearly £400 million in Cardiff Airport since its acquisition in 2013.
Andrew Slade, the Director General for Economy, Energy, and Transport, defended the government’s stance, highlighting the strategic importance of the airport for Wales. “We are committed to the airport and ministers are very clear that Wales needs to have an international airport,” he stated, emphasising the economic contributions and potential surrounding Cardiff Airport. He acknowledged the long-term possibility of exploring different ownership models but indicated that such considerations are not a priority at present.
This proposal aims to boost job growth linked to the airport and attract new airlines and routes, with a target of increasing passenger numbers to over two million annually. Planned upgrades to the terminal and facilities are also part of the proposed investment. While the subsidy has been sent to the Competition and Markets Authority for review, Slade confirmed that their advice would not be binding, leaving the final decision to the Welsh Government.
Challenges in attracting airlines
During the hearing, Cardiff Airport’s Chief Executive, Spencer Birns, disclosed ongoing discussions with airlines such as Jet2, EasyJet, and Ryanair to establish operations at Cardiff. However, he noted that these airlines currently do not see Wales as a “significant marketplace” for investment. Birns explained that while the airlines using Cardiff Airport are growing, the airport has faced challenges in replacing carriers that have pulled out, notably Wizz Air, which was an integral part of their growth strategy. He emphasised that while the airport has recovered 52% of its 2019 passenger volume, achieving pre-pandemic targets remains difficult due to the limited availability of aircraft and a tendency for airlines to prioritise larger markets.
Passenger targets and financial details
The airport had previously set a target of 1.3 million passengers, but this milestone is now expected to be reached two years later than initially planned, by March 2028. Birns attributed this delay to the withdrawal of Wizz Air and route cancellations by airlines like Ryanair. Despite these setbacks, he pointed out a 7% growth in passenger numbers for 2024, asserting that Cardiff Airport is on a positive growth trajectory.
Questions about the financial aspects of the airport’s operations were also raised during the hearing. Conservative MS Natasha Asghar sought detailed information on how the funds provided by the Welsh Government have been utilised. Slade agreed to provide a summary to the committee but cited commercial sensitivities and security concerns for not disclosing more specific details.
The committee discussed the cost implications of upgrading airport facilities, including the installation of new security scanners. While these scanners were included in the airport’s rescue and restructuring plan, the actual costs exceeded initial estimates. Mr. Slade explained that retrofitting modern equipment into a terminal designed in the 1970s presented significant challenges, leading to additional expenses. Cardiff Airport was allocated an extra £6.6 million by the Welsh Government in October to cover these costs.
Environmental considerations were also highlighted, with Birns reporting a 60% reduction in carbon emissions at the airport over the past four years, from 1,700 tonnes to under 600 tonnes of CO2 annually. This reduction was achieved through measures such as switching to electric vehicles, using renewable energy, and minimising natural gas consumption. The airport aims to further cut its emissions by 50% within the next five years, aligning with Wales’ broader environmental goals.
Impact on the Welsh economy
The airport’s role in Wales’ economy was underscored, with Birns stating that Cardiff Airport generates approximately £200 million in economic value, working with 50 companies and supporting 4,000 jobs. The proposed £206 million subsidy is seen as a means to sustain and enhance this economic contribution.
However, the airport has struggled to retain and attract international routes. The direct flights to Doha with Qatar Airways, which were suspended during the pandemic, have yet to resume. Negotiations with Qatar Airways are ongoing, but details remain commercially sensitive.
The proposed subsidy and the future of Cardiff Airport have sparked debate among Welsh politicians and the public. Critics argue that the airport has not met growth expectations and question the continued injection of taxpayer money. Some point to other regional airports, such as Teesside, which have recovered more rapidly post-pandemic and have clearer plans for financial sustainability.
In contrast, supporters emphasise the strategic importance of maintaining an international airport in Wales, not only for travel convenience but also for the economic and employment benefits it brings. The Welsh Government’s commitment to the airport, despite its challenges, reflects a belief in its potential to contribute significantly to the region’s growth and connectivity.
As the Welsh Government awaits the Competition and Markets Authority’s advice on the subsidy, the future of Cardiff Airport hangs in the balance. Whether this latest investment will spur the airport towards its ambitious growth targets remains to be seen. However, for now, the government appears steadfast in its support, with no plans for an exit strategy in sight.
News
Early-morning crash closes road for over two hours
A PERSON has been taken to hospital following an early-morning crash in west Wales, which resulted in a road closure for more than two hours. Emergency services were called to the Sheltery Hill area, north of Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, on Thursday morning (Sept 19).
The collision, which involved two vehicles, occurred on a road between the A40 and the B4330. Police and paramedics attended the scene, and the road was shut until shortly before 9am.
The injured individual was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to police. A spokeswoman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We received a report of a two-vehicle road traffic collision on an unclassified road between the A40 and B4330, near Sheltery Hill, at around 6.40am on Thursday, 19th September.
“One person was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The road was closed whilst both vehicles were recovered and reopened at around 8.50am.’
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